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Potter AD, Criss AK. Dinner date: Neisseria gonorrhoeae central carbon metabolism and pathogenesis. Emerg Top Life Sci 2024; 8:15-28. [PMID: 37144661 PMCID: PMC10625648 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, is a human-adapted pathogen that does not productively infect other organisms. The ongoing relationship between N. gonorrhoeae and the human host is facilitated by the exchange of nutrient resources that allow for N. gonorrhoeae growth in the human genital tract. What N. gonorrhoeae 'eats' and the pathways used to consume these nutrients have been a topic of investigation over the last 50 years. More recent investigations are uncovering the impact of N. gonorrhoeae metabolism on infection and inflammatory responses, the environmental influences driving N. gonorrhoeae metabolism, and the metabolic adaptations enabling antimicrobial resistance. This mini-review is an introduction to the field of N. gonorrhoeae central carbon metabolism in the context of pathogenesis. It summarizes the foundational work used to characterize N. gonorrhoeae central metabolic pathways and the effects of these pathways on disease outcomes, and highlights some of the most recent advances and themes under current investigation. This review ends with a brief description of the current outlook and technologies under development to increase understanding of how the pathogenic potential of N. gonorrhoeae is enabled by metabolic adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee D. Potter
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - Alison K. Criss
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA USA
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2
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Raccagni AR, Ranzenigo M, Bruzzesi E, Maci C, Castagna A, Nozza S. Neisseria gonorrhoeae Antimicrobial Resistance: The Future of Antibiotic Therapy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7767. [PMID: 38137836 PMCID: PMC10744250 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing threat of antibiotic-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes gonorrhea, presents a current public health challenge. Over the years, the pathogen has developed resistance to different antibiotics, leaving few effective treatment options. High-level resistance to key drugs, including ceftriaxone, has become a concerning reality. This article primarily focuses on the treatment of gonorrhea and the current clinical trials aimed at providing new antibiotic treatment options. We explore ongoing efforts to assess new antibiotics, including zoliflodacin, and gepotidacin. These drugs offer new effective treatment options, but their rapid availability remains uncertain. We delve into two ongoing clinical trials: one evaluating the efficacy and safety of gepotidacin compared to the standard ceftriaxone-azithromycin combination and the other assessing the non-inferiority of zoliflodacin versus the combination therapy of ceftriaxone-azithromycin. These trials represent crucial steps in the search for alternative treatments for uncomplicated gonorrhea. Notably, gonorrhea has been included in the "WHO Priority Pathogens List for Research and Development of New Antibiotics". In conclusion, the urgent need for innovative treatment strategies is underscored by the rising threat of antibiotic resistance in N. gonorrhoeae; collaboration among researchers, industries, and healthcare authorities is therefore essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Roberto Raccagni
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (A.C.); (S.N.)
| | - Martina Ranzenigo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (A.C.); (S.N.)
| | - Elena Bruzzesi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (A.C.); (S.N.)
| | - Chiara Maci
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (A.C.); (S.N.)
| | - Antonella Castagna
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (A.C.); (S.N.)
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Nozza
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (A.C.); (S.N.)
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
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A Novel Oral GyrB/ParE Dual Binding Inhibitor Effective against Multidrug-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Other High-Threat Pathogens. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0041422. [PMID: 35972242 PMCID: PMC9487510 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00414-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a serious global health concern. New drugs are needed that can overcome existing drug resistance and limit the development of new resistances. Here, we describe the small molecule tricyclic pyrimidoindole JSF-2414 [8-(6-fluoro-8-(methylamino)-2-((2-methylpyrimidin-5-yl)oxy)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indol-4-yl)-2-oxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decan-3-yl)methanol], which was developed to target both ATP-binding regions of DNA gyrase (GyrB) and topoisomerase (ParE). JSF-2414 displays potent activity against N. gonorrhoeae, including drug-resistant strains. A phosphate pro-drug, JSF-2659, was developed to facilitate oral dosing. In two different animal models of Neisseria gonorrhoeae vaginal infection, JSF-2659 was highly efficacious in reducing microbial burdens to the limit of detection. The parent molecule also showed potent in vitro activity against high-threat Gram-positive organisms, and JSF-2659 was shown in a deep tissue model of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) and a model of Clostridioides difficile-induced colitis to be highly efficacious and protective. JSF-2659 is a novel preclinical drug candidate against high-threat multidrug resistant organisms with low potential to develop new resistance.
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Stein RA, Bianchini EC. Bacterial-Viral Interactions: A Factor That Facilitates Transmission Heterogeneities. FEMS MICROBES 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/femsmc/xtac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The transmission of infectious diseases is characterized by heterogeneities that are shaped by the host, the pathogen, and the environment. Extreme forms of these heterogeneities are called super-spreading events. Transmission heterogeneities are usually identified retrospectively, but their contribution to the dynamics of outbreaks makes the ability to predict them valuable for science, medicine, and public health. Previous studies identified several factors that facilitate super-spreading; one of them is the interaction between bacteria and viruses within a host. The heightened dispersal of bacteria colonizing the nasal cavity during an upper respiratory viral infection, and the increased shedding of HIV-1 from the urogenital tract during a sexually transmitted bacterial infection, are among the most extensively studied examples of transmission heterogeneities that result from bacterial-viral interactions. Interrogating these transmission heterogeneities, and elucidating the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, are part of much-needed efforts to guide public health interventions, in areas that range from predicting or controlling the population transmission of respiratory pathogens, to limiting the spread of sexually transmitted infections, and tailoring vaccination initiatives with live attenuated vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Stein
- NYU Tandon School of Engineering Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 6 MetroTech Center Brooklyn , NY 11201 USA
| | - Emilia Claire Bianchini
- NYU Tandon School of Engineering Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 6 MetroTech Center Brooklyn , NY 11201 USA
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Geretti AM, Mardh O, de Vries HJC, Winter A, McSorley J, Seguy N, Vuylsteke B, Gokengin D. Sexual transmission of infections across Europe: appraising the present, scoping the future. Sex Transm Infect 2022; 98:sextrans-2022-055455. [PMID: 35537800 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Our journal partnered with the Europe section of the International Union against STI (IUSTI) at a workshop held at the 18th European AIDS Conference in London on 30 October 2021. The workshop reviewed epidemiological trends and discussed STI care provision within HIV services across Europe. Methods and Results: We started by highlighting trends in bacterial STIs reported to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control from countries in the European Union/European Economic Area. This showed that notifications of bacterial STIs reached an all-time high in 2019, but are expected to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. We then reviewed the evolving relationship between STIs and HIV and pointed out how antiretroviral treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis remain highly effective against HIV transmission despite the rising incidence of STIs. Within emerging concepts in STIs, we appraised the benefits and risks of asymptomatic screening for chlamydia, and also considered the potential perils of routinely testing for agents that lack a defined role in disease. Finally, we discussed standards of STI care for people living with HIV, informed by a brief survey of IUSTI Europe country representatives and members of the Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe network. Conclusions: The survey indicated substantial variability and identified key improvement targets: fighting barriers to effective service provision and access, increasing diagnostic capability and taking leadership in driving up the quality of care. We must not forget the STI-related needs of the many people who will be living with HIV for decades into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Geretti
- Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Fondazione PTV and University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Otilia Mardh
- HIV/STI & Hepatitis, European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Henry J C de Vries
- Dept. of Dermatology, University of Amsterdam and Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew Winter
- Sandyford Sexual Health, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - John McSorley
- The Patrick Clements Centre, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Nicole Seguy
- Regional Office for Europe, World Health Organization (WHO), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Dept. of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Deniz Gokengin
- Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
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Yu X, Zhao P, Mai Z, Xu Q, Chen W, Wu Z, Luo X, Wu Z, Liu X, Wu Q, Zheng H, Xue Y. Evaluation of the Predictive Value of Urine Leukocyte Esterase Test in Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection Among Males Attending HIV/STI Clinics in Guangdong Province, China. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:858165. [PMID: 35386911 PMCID: PMC8978786 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.858165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukocyte esterase test (LET) detection is a simple and inexpensive test performed by urinalysis. This study investigated the predictive value of LET for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection among men attending HIV and sexually transmitted infection (HIV/STI) clinics in Guangdong Province, China. A total of 5,509 urine samples were collected from HIV and sexually transmitted infection clinics in Guangdong Province between 2017 and 2019. Specimens from 5,464 males were tested by both LET and nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Of 5,464 males, 497 (9.1%) tested positive for CT or NG by NAAT, with respective prevalence rates of 6.4% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 5.8-7.1%) and 3.8% (95% CI: 3.3-4.3%), including 1.2% (95% CI: 0.9-1.4%) co-infected. Compared to the HIV-negative individuals, individuals living with HIV tend to have a higher prevalence of CT, NG and co-infection with CT and NG. The LET sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for CT were 46.4% (95% CI: 41.2-51.7%), 92.0% (95% CI: 91.2-92.7%), 28.4% (95% CI: 24.8-32.1%), and 96.1% (95% CI: 95.6-96.7%), respectively. The LET sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for NG were 68.4% (95% CI: 62.1-74.7%), 91.8% (95% CI: 91.1-92.6%), 25.0% (95% CI: 21.4-28.5%), and 98.7% (95% CI: 98.3-99%), respectively. Compared to the HIV-negative individuals, higher sensitivity and specificity were observed for HIV-positive individuals, but there was no statistical difference. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) using economic costs per additional person CT positive and NG positive was -$238.74 and -$145.60 compared with LET positive, respectively. LET is a cost-effective test and will be valuable for predicting CT and NG infection, which is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peizhen Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhida Mai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wentao Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiao Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth People's Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan, China
| | - Xiaojuan Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Zhizhou Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dermatology Hospital of Jiangmen, Jiangmen, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third People's Hospital of Zhuhai, Zhuhai, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heping Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaohua Xue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Christodoulides M. Update on the Neisseria Macrophage Infectivity Potentiator-Like PPIase Protein. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:861489. [PMID: 35392612 PMCID: PMC8981591 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.861489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria pathogens express a Macrophage Infectivity Potentiator Protein (MIP), which belongs to the FK506 binding protein (FKBP) family of proteins that exhibit peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity. Neisseria MIP proteins are potential candidates for inclusion into vaccines for gonorrhoea caused by N. gonorrhoeae infection, and meningitis/sepsis caused by M. meningitidis infection. Neisseria MIP proteins are also potential targets for directed drug treatments, although this remains relatively unexplored. In this mini-review, we provide an update into the vaccine potential of Neisseria MIP and the few published drug targeting studies, and explore further the diversity of this protein amongst both pathogenic and commensal Neisseria spp.
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Raccagni AR, Bruzzesi E, Gianotti N, Sampaolo M, Canetti D, Castagna A, Nozza S. Failure of on-demand pre-exposure prophylaxis: the risk of HIV drug resistance. Sex Transm Infect 2022; 98:234. [PMID: 35039436 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-055354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Bruzzesi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Gianotti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Diana Canetti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonella Castagna
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy.,Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Nozza
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy
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Yu Q, Wang LC, Di Benigno S, Stein DC, Song W. Gonococcal invasion into epithelial cells depends on both cell polarity and ezrin. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009592. [PMID: 34852011 PMCID: PMC8668114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) establishes infection in women from the cervix, lined with heterogeneous epithelial cells from non-polarized stratified at the ectocervix to polarized columnar at the endocervix. We have previously shown that GC differentially colonize and transmigrate across the ecto and endocervical epithelia. However, whether and how GC invade into heterogeneous cervical epithelial cells is unknown. This study examined GC entry of epithelial cells with various properties, using human cervical tissue explant and non-polarized/polarized epithelial cell line models. While adhering to non-polarized and polarized epithelial cells at similar levels, GC invaded into non-polarized more efficiently than polarized epithelial cells. The enhanced GC invasion in non-polarized epithelial cells was associated with increased ezrin phosphorylation, F-actin and ezrin recruitment to GC adherent sites, and the elongation of GC-associated microvilli. Inhibition of ezrin phosphorylation inhibited F-actin and ezrin recruitment and microvilli elongation, leading to a reduction in GC invasion. The reduced GC invasion in polarized epithelial cells was associated with non-muscle myosin II-mediated F-actin disassembly and microvilli denudation at GC adherence sites. Surprisingly, intraepithelial GC were only detected inside epithelial cells shedding from the cervix by immunofluorescence microscopy, but not significantly in the ectocervical and the endocervical regions. We observed similar ezrin and F-actin recruitment in exfoliated cervical epithelial cells but not in those that remained in the ectocervical epithelium, as the luminal layer of ectocervical epithelial cells expressed ten-fold lower levels of ezrin than those beneath. However, GC inoculation induced F-actin reduction and myosin recruitment in the endocervix, similar to what was seen in polarized epithelial cells. Collectively, our results suggest that while GC invade non-polarized epithelial cells through ezrin-driven microvilli elongation, the apical polarization of ezrin and F-actin inhibits GC entry into polarized epithelial cells. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) causes gonorrhea in women by infecting the female reproductive tract. GC entry of epithelial cells has long been observed in patients’ biopsies and studied in various types of epithelial cells. However, how GC invade into the heterogeneous epithelia of the human cervix is unknown. This study reveals that both the expression level of ezrin, an actin-membrane linker protein, and the polarization of ezrin-actin networks in epithelial cells regulate GC invasion. GC interactions with non-polarized squamous epithelial cells expressing ezrin induce ezrin activation, ezrin-actin accumulation, and microvilli elongation at GC adherent sites, leading to invasion. Low ezrin expression levels in the luminal ectocervical epithelial cells are associated with low levels of intraepithelial GC. In contrast, apical polarization of ezrin-actin networks in columnar endocervical epithelial cells reduces GC invasion. GC interactions induce myosin activation, which causes disassembly of ezrin-actin networks and microvilli modification at GC adherent sites, extending GC-epithelial contact. Expression of opacity-associated proteins on GC promotes GC invasion by enhancing ezrin-actin accumulation in squamous epithelial cells and inhibiting ezrin-actin disassembly in columnar endocervical epithelial cells. Thus, reduced ezrin expression and ezrin-actin polarization are potential ways for cervical epithelial cells to curtail GC invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yu
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Liang-Chun Wang
- Marine & Pathogenic Microbiology Lab, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sofia Di Benigno
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Daniel C Stein
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wenxia Song
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
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Christodoulides M, Humbert MV, Heckels JE. The potential utility of liposomes for Neisseria vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1235-1256. [PMID: 34524062 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1981865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Species of the genus Neisseria are important global pathogens. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus) causes the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea and Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) causes meningitis and sepsis. Liposomes are self-assembled spheres of phospholipid bilayers enclosing a central aqueous space, and they have attracted much interest and use as a delivery vehicle for Neisseria vaccine antigens. AREAS COVERED A brief background on Neisseria infections and the success of licensed meningococcal vaccines are provided. The absence of a gonococcal vaccine is highlighted. The use of liposomes for delivering Neisseria antigens and adjuvants, for the purposes of generating specific immune responses, is reviewed. The use of other lipid-based systems for antigen and adjuvant delivery is examined briefly. EXPERT OPINION With renewed interest in developing a gonococcal vaccine, liposomes remain an attractive option for delivering antigens. The discipline of nanotechnology provides additional nanoparticle-based options for gonococcal vaccine development. Future work would be needed to tailor the composition of liposomes and other nanoparticles to the specific vaccine antigen(s), in order to generate optimal anti-gonococcal immune responses. The potential use of liposomes and other nanoparticles to deliver anti-gonococcal compounds to treat infections also should be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Maria Victoria Humbert
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - John E Heckels
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
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Lim KYL, Mullally CA, Haese EC, Kibble EA, McCluskey NR, Mikucki EC, Thai VC, Stubbs KA, Sarkar-Tyson M, Kahler CM. Anti-Virulence Therapeutic Approaches for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10020103. [PMID: 33494538 PMCID: PMC7911339 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
While antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is seen in both Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis, the former has become resistant to commonly available over-the-counter antibiotic treatments. It is imperative then to develop new therapies that combat current AMR isolates whilst also circumventing the pathways leading to the development of AMR. This review highlights the growing research interest in developing anti-virulence therapies (AVTs) which are directed towards inhibiting virulence factors to prevent infection. By targeting virulence factors that are not essential for gonococcal survival, it is hypothesized that this will impart a smaller selective pressure for the emergence of resistance in the pathogen and in the microbiome, thus avoiding AMR development to the anti-infective. This review summates the current basis of numerous anti-virulence strategies being explored for N. gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Y. L. Lim
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (K.Y.L.L.); (C.A.M.); (E.C.H.); (E.A.K.); (N.R.M.); (E.C.M.); (V.C.T.); (M.S.-T.)
| | - Christopher A. Mullally
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (K.Y.L.L.); (C.A.M.); (E.C.H.); (E.A.K.); (N.R.M.); (E.C.M.); (V.C.T.); (M.S.-T.)
| | - Ethan C. Haese
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (K.Y.L.L.); (C.A.M.); (E.C.H.); (E.A.K.); (N.R.M.); (E.C.M.); (V.C.T.); (M.S.-T.)
| | - Emily A. Kibble
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (K.Y.L.L.); (C.A.M.); (E.C.H.); (E.A.K.); (N.R.M.); (E.C.M.); (V.C.T.); (M.S.-T.)
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Nicolie R. McCluskey
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (K.Y.L.L.); (C.A.M.); (E.C.H.); (E.A.K.); (N.R.M.); (E.C.M.); (V.C.T.); (M.S.-T.)
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Edward C. Mikucki
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (K.Y.L.L.); (C.A.M.); (E.C.H.); (E.A.K.); (N.R.M.); (E.C.M.); (V.C.T.); (M.S.-T.)
| | - Van C. Thai
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (K.Y.L.L.); (C.A.M.); (E.C.H.); (E.A.K.); (N.R.M.); (E.C.M.); (V.C.T.); (M.S.-T.)
| | - Keith A. Stubbs
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - Mitali Sarkar-Tyson
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (K.Y.L.L.); (C.A.M.); (E.C.H.); (E.A.K.); (N.R.M.); (E.C.M.); (V.C.T.); (M.S.-T.)
| | - Charlene M. Kahler
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; (K.Y.L.L.); (C.A.M.); (E.C.H.); (E.A.K.); (N.R.M.); (E.C.M.); (V.C.T.); (M.S.-T.)
- Correspondence:
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Hyaluronic acid is a negative regulator of mucosal fibroblast-mediated enhancement of HIV infection. Mucosal Immunol 2021; 14:1203-1213. [PMID: 33976386 PMCID: PMC8379073 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-021-00409-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The majority of HIV infections are established through the genital or rectal mucosa. Fibroblasts are abundant in these tissues, and although not susceptible to infection, can potently enhance HIV infection of CD4+ T cells. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of the extracellular matrix of fibroblasts, and its levels are influenced by the inflammatory state of the tissue. Since inflammation is known to facilitate HIV sexual transmission, we investigated the role of HA in genital mucosal fibroblast-mediated enhancement of HIV infection. Depletion of HA by CRISPR-Cas9 in primary foreskin fibroblasts augmented the ability of the fibroblasts to increase HIV infection of CD4+ T cells. This amplified enhancement required direct contact between the fibroblasts and CD4+ T cells, and could be attributed to both increased rates of trans-infection and the increased ability of HA-deficient fibroblasts to push CD4+ T cells into a state of higher permissivity to infection. This HIV-permissive state was characterized by differential expression of genes associated with regulation of cell metabolism and death. Our results suggest that conditions resulting in diminished cell-surface HA on fibroblasts, such as genital inflammation, can promote HIV transmission by conditioning CD4+ T cells toward a state more vulnerable to infection by HIV.
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